State regulation of veterinary facilities

Updated June 2014

Veterinary facilities are generally regulated at a state level. Many states have specific guidelines and requirements that veterinary facilities must maintain in order to receive an operating permit. Other states do not have specific requirements but often times include the failure to maintain sanitary facilities as a violation of the Veterinary Practice Act.

There are currently 32 jurisdictions including Washington DC that have specific regulations governing the operation of veterinary facilities. The regulations include such things as sanitary requirements, housing requirements, specifications concerning surgical facilities, and building maintenance requirements.